Lesson 6 will consist of a quiz on Punnett squares to close up the Punnett-Intended lesson on monohybrids and dihybrids. We will then move onto our next section, Gene Expression. This will focus on the hidden work, or genotypes, that result in trait variation as opposed to the phenotypes that the prior labs have simulated. Vocabulary and notes will cover the flowing process of DNA to RNA to protein, as well as various gene mutations, changes, and disorders and their broader significance in gene expression.
Better understand the concept of gene expression and biological process behind it
Formulate connections between phenotypes and genotypes of gene expression
Understand the biological reason behind gene mutations, changes, and disorders
Understand the significance of gene mutations and expression in evolution
Materials / Preparation Notes
Punnent Quiz - LINK
Smart board
Markers
Opening
I will begin class by answering any last questions or confusion before the Punnent squares quiz. Following the completion of the quiz will be the topic of gene expression and mutations. To transition to the new topic, I will ask the class to state some differences they know that separate humans and primates. Once they have listed all they know, I will write MYH16 on the board and ask if anyone has heard of it or knows what it means. I will then explain to them that MYH16 is a gene that codes for specialized muscle protein, resulting in powerful jaw muscles. While it functions properly in primates and other mammals, a mutation in the MYH16 gene occurs in humans that prevents it from doing so. As a result, humans developed smaller jaw muscles and structure, which eventually led to change in bone structure as well. This allowed for reshaping of the skull and possibly, enlargement of the brain. Though this mutation was discovered almost 2.4 million years ago, it was 400,000 years later that humans as a whole developed smaller jaws and enlarged brains. This fact will engage the students and make them realize the significance in gene mutations and expression and how they relate to the broader concept of evolution.
The class will begin by taking the quiz on Punnent squares. Following the quiz will begin the topic of gene expression and mutation. I will instigate a discussion about humans and our close ancestors, primates, asking the students to share aloud some differences and similarities between the two. I will then introduce the MYH16 gene, as a significant and interesting example of gene mutation and expression, explaining how this particular mutation in humans is believed to be one of the main reasons we have evolved from primates over time. As the gene functions for a protein present in the jaw muscles of mammals, and doesn't function properly within humans, researchers believe the smaller muscles caused for change in size and shape of the human jaw structure, eventually reshaping the skull thus allowing room for brain enlargement- a defining feature of Homo sapiens. This example and understanding of basic gene expression and mutation will pave the way into the topic's vocabulary and notes that students will copy from the smart board. Some of the basic vocabulary and aspects that will be covered includes, but is not limited to: DNA, RNA, transcription, translation, operon, promoter, gene mutation, and genetic disorders. We will cover the process of DNA to RNA and finally to various proteins, and what constitutes genes being "on" or "off".
Closing/postlab
The lecture and notes will then reach full-circle back to the discussion and reference of the MYH16 gene in order to establish thorough connection and understanding of the biological process of gene expression and mutations and their significance to genetics, inheritance, and evolution.
Assessment Notes
Students will be assessed formatively as part of their participation grade based on their contributions to the class discussions, and their Punnent square grades will contribute as half of their total quiz grade for the class.
How Do You Express Yourself?
Overview
Lesson 6 will consist of a quiz on Punnett squares to close up the Punnett-Intended lesson on monohybrids and dihybrids. We will then move onto our next section, Gene Expression. This will focus on the hidden work, or genotypes, that result in trait variation as opposed to the phenotypes that the prior labs have simulated. Vocabulary and notes will cover the flowing process of DNA to RNA to protein, as well as various gene mutations, changes, and disorders and their broader significance in gene expression.Standards (Links)
LS3 (9-11) POC-7Objectives
Students will be able to...Materials / Preparation Notes
Opening
I will begin class by answering any last questions or confusion before the Punnent squares quiz. Following the completion of the quiz will be the topic of gene expression and mutations. To transition to the new topic, I will ask the class to state some differences they know that separate humans and primates. Once they have listed all they know, I will write MYH16 on the board and ask if anyone has heard of it or knows what it means. I will then explain to them that MYH16 is a gene that codes for specialized muscle protein, resulting in powerful jaw muscles. While it functions properly in primates and other mammals, a mutation in the MYH16 gene occurs in humans that prevents it from doing so. As a result, humans developed smaller jaw muscles and structure, which eventually led to change in bone structure as well. This allowed for reshaping of the skull and possibly, enlargement of the brain. Though this mutation was discovered almost 2.4 million years ago, it was 400,000 years later that humans as a whole developed smaller jaws and enlarged brains. This fact will engage the students and make them realize the significance in gene mutations and expression and how they relate to the broader concept of evolution.http://genetics.thetech.org/original_news/news8
Activities
The class will begin by taking the quiz on Punnent squares. Following the quiz will begin the topic of gene expression and mutation. I will instigate a discussion about humans and our close ancestors, primates, asking the students to share aloud some differences and similarities between the two. I will then introduce the MYH16 gene, as a significant and interesting example of gene mutation and expression, explaining how this particular mutation in humans is believed to be one of the main reasons we have evolved from primates over time. As the gene functions for a protein present in the jaw muscles of mammals, and doesn't function properly within humans, researchers believe the smaller muscles caused for change in size and shape of the human jaw structure, eventually reshaping the skull thus allowing room for brain enlargement- a defining feature of Homo sapiens. This example and understanding of basic gene expression and mutation will pave the way into the topic's vocabulary and notes that students will copy from the smart board. Some of the basic vocabulary and aspects that will be covered includes, but is not limited to: DNA, RNA, transcription, translation, operon, promoter, gene mutation, and genetic disorders. We will cover the process of DNA to RNA and finally to various proteins, and what constitutes genes being "on" or "off".Closing/postlab
The lecture and notes will then reach full-circle back to the discussion and reference of the MYH16 gene in order to establish thorough connection and understanding of the biological process of gene expression and mutations and their significance to genetics, inheritance, and evolution.Assessment Notes
Students will be assessed formatively as part of their participation grade based on their contributions to the class discussions, and their Punnent square grades will contribute as half of their total quiz grade for the class.